Indiana State Reps. Blake Johnson and Earl Harris Jr. are back with reflections on the Statehouse — and a major life change just around the corner for Blake.

In this episode, the co-hosts break down:

• The ongoing concerns around SB 287, which would make school board races partisan — and why that’s raising eyebrows across the aisle. Update: bill passed by razor thin margin.
• The drama around Senate Bill 1 and the governor’s push for real property tax relief
• The high-stakes budget talks, the politics of SB 518 (school funding), and the looming possibility of a special session
• Road funding, tolling fears in NW Indiana, and what’s still in play as the 2025 session hits the homestretch

Plus: Blake gets real about impending fatherhood (again), and Earl speculates on whether ChatGPT is gunning for the co-host chair.

For the first time ever on Session Sessions, we’re joined by the Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives — and yes, he’s from the other party. Speaker Todd Huston sits down with Reps. Earl Harris Jr. and Blake Johnson for a rare, unfiltered conversation about what it’s really like to lead the 100-member House.

We cover a lot: the reality of wrangling policy and personalities, how the sausage gets made during budget season, why the second half of session always feels like a sprint, and the surprising power of simply getting to know each other as people. Speaker Huston even opens up about the loneliness that can come with leadership — and the dinner-table wisdom that keeps him grounded.

Also, minivans.

Whether you’re inside the Statehouse or just curious about how it all works, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of Session Sessions, we welcome back former state party chair and City County-Councillor, government affairs expert Kip Tew.  Kip shares insights and expectations for the second half of Indiana’s legislative session. Recorded on the last day of the first half, Kip shares thoughts on what has unfolded so far and what to expect moving forward.

Topics include:
✅ How a new governor is reshaping the legislative dynamic
✅ The battle over property taxes and its impact on local government
✅ Surprise bills that failed to advance, including the controversial homelessness criminalization bill
✅ The role of lobbyists in shaping legislation and how AI is beginning to play a role
✅ How national politics are trickling down to affect Indiana’s economy and policymaking

In a first for the podcast, Blake and Earl sit down with a member of Republican leadership, House Majority Floor Leader Matt Lehman, to discuss the first half of Indiana’s 2025 legislative session. From budget battles to bipartisanship, Rep. Lehman shares his insights on the key issues shaping the Statehouse, what surprised him this session, and how the shifting political climate is affecting policymaking. We also discuss the growing disconnect between the public and government and the lessons he’s learned from serving in both the minority and majority. Don’t miss this thoughtful and candid conversation.

When it comes to jobs that get a bad wrap, lobbyists top the list. In this episode of Session Sessions, we sit down with Ali Bartlett of Bose Public Affairs Group to break down what lobbying actually is, the misconceptions (and deserved critiques) about the profession, and how it plays a critical role in shaping public policy.

We dive into:
✅ The difference between a registered lobbyist and a regular advocate
✅ How lobbying works at the state level vs. the federal level
✅ The day-to-day grind of a lobbyist during legislative session
✅ Major issues like iGaming, casino policies, and adult education initiatives
✅ How bipartisanship is crucial for gaming and other policy debates
✅ Why precise testimony in committee hearings is an art form

From gaming policy to nonprofit advocacy, Ali gives us an unfiltered look at how she strategizes, educates lawmakers, and navigates the legislative process.

Rep. Carey Hamilton takes us on a journey from the Appalachian Trail to the Indiana Statehouse. After hiking solo from Georgia to Maine, Carey’s transformative adventure sparked her passion for outdoor recreation and environmental policy. Now, as a leader in the legislature, she’s blazing trails in Indiana by advocating for sustainability policies, tackling the child care crisis, and creating the first-ever Trails Caucus. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, leadership, and how personal experiences shape powerful public service.

Topics Discussed:
Carey Hamilton's journey to the State House and leadership as Caucus Chair
The ongoing child care crisis in Indiana and the economic impact
The push for Pre-K and child care reform
Carey’s work on creating the first-ever trail caucus in Indiana
Legislation for electric vehicle manufacturing and climate resilience
The state’s fiscal situation and road funding reform
Immigration reform and its implications for local communities
How Democrats are finding ways to push policy in a super minority

Navigating healthcare is tough—soaring costs, confusing policies, and limited access to essential services. But Indiana lawmakers are working on solutions! In this episode of Session Sessions, Rep. Earl Harris Jr. and Rep. Blake Johnson sit down with Rep. Robin Shackleford, a leader in public health policy, to discuss cutting healthcare costs, Medicaid funding, medical transparency, and maternal health.

Learn about the push for lower drug prices, better healthcare access, and more support for Hoosier families. Don’t miss this deep dive into Indiana’s biggest health challenges and the policies aiming to fix them!

Show Notes
Topics Covered:

The high cost of healthcare – Why are hospital bills so expensive?

• Medical transparency laws – Can we finally see real pricing before treatment?
• Medicaid shortfalls – How Indiana is dealing with a billion-dollar “oops.”
• Preventative care & obesity solutions – Should Medicaid cover weight-loss drugs?
• The maternal health crisis – Why Indiana ranks poorly for maternal mortality rates.
• Nursing & doctor shortages – How loan forgiveness could bring more healthcare professionals to Indiana.
• Home healthcare struggles – Are untrained caregivers putting Hoosiers at risk?

Key Takeaways:

• Medical Costs: Indiana lawmakers are demanding transparency from hospitals to lower prices.
• Medicaid Reform: The state faces a billion-dollar healthcare funding shortfall, but cutting services isn’t the answer.
• Maternal Mortality Crisis: Indiana ranks among the worst states for maternal deaths—what’s being done?
• New Legislation: Bills are in the works to expand preventative care, lower cancer research costs, and improve access to doctors.

Blake and Earl sit down with Representative Jim Pressel to tackle Indiana's looming $1.3 billion road funding shortfall. They break down the impact of inflation, better gas mileage, and COVID-19 on state revenues, and explore solutions, including proposals adopted by Tennessee and Georgia.

Pressel also shares the emotional moments behind key safety initiatives, which have already made construction zones safer for workers and motorists alike. Plus, hear Pressel’s personal journey from business owner to policymaker, and Blake’s bittersweet announcement about stepping back from the roads committee.

Tune in for a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities in funding Indiana’s future infrastructure!

Show Notes
Topics Discussed:

1. Indiana’s Road Funding Crisis
   • Projected $1.2–$1.3 billion shortfall by 2030.
   • Impact of inflation, fuel efficiency, and reduced gas sales.
   • Challenges in balancing state vs. local funding needs.
2. Tolling as a Revenue Solution
   • Insights from Tennessee and Georgia’s tolling models.
   • Balancing fairness for Indiana taxpayers and out-of-state drivers.
   • Legislative steps needed to implement tolling.
3. Safety Innovations in Construction Zones
   • Success of initiatives reducing speeds by 8 mph in work zones.
   • Emotional stories from the roads committee about worker and motorist safety.
4. Emotional Moments in Policy Making
   • Reflections on the human impact of infrastructure policy.
   • The challenges of addressing distracted driving and other safety issues.
5. Personal Journeys
   • Jim Pressel’s path to public office, fueled by a desire to influence policy affecting his business.
   • Blake Johnson’s decision to step back from the roads committee due to a new full-time job.

As we hit the three week(ish) mark of the Indiana General Assembly, Earl and Blake sit down to chat about the new session calendar, eyebrow-raising legislation on adjusting the state lines and dissolving public schools, and what we'll be working on during the budget session. 

In a special episode for the podcast, we're joined by Mark Fisher, chief executive officer of the Indiana Association of REALTORS. We cover a lot of ground - discussing housing affordability, the walkability premium, quality of life, shortages in inventory and the important role the association plays in advocating for smart public policy. 

This episode of Session Sessions is sponsored by the Indiana Association of REALTORS.